Aziman Bibi, a chef-de-partie at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, was honored with the Fiji Chef of the Year award at the National Salon Culinaire 2024. She expressed her gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to her family and her supportive team at the resort.
Hailing from Kulukulu, Nadroga, Bibi’s journey began with her education at Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College. In 2006, she was awarded a multi-ethnic scholarship to pursue Cookery at Fiji National University. “I saw the opportunity in the culinary business,” she remarked.
Bibi started her career at Outrigger as a trainer and progressed to roles including commis chef and demi chef before achieving her current position. “I am overwhelmed with this award,” she said, acknowledging the dedication and hard work that led to this moment. As a mother of three with 16 years in the culinary field, her achievement is a testament to her commitment.
Frances Wakeham, a 20-year-old from Sheraton Denarau Villas, won the Fiji Young Chef of the Year award in her debut competition. Originally from Savusavu, she studied at Nasavusavu Public and Savusavu High School before enrolling in Fiji National University’s Level 4 Culinary program. Wakeham joined Sheraton Fiji after participating in a chef competition and was recruited by executive chef Rakesh Kumar. “I was surprised as I did not dream about it,” she stated, dedicating her award to her father, who is also a chef.
Additionally, multi-award-winning pastry chef Muni Vikash Chetty from Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort received the Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year 2024 award, marking his third win of this title over the last decade.
All three winners will represent Fiji in the Restaurant Challenge 2025, taking place in Australia.
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